Century Vase c. 1876 - 1877

Curator: Here we have the "Century Vase," designed by Karl L. H. Müller and currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Wow, it's…intense. It feels like a party gone slightly mad, all those colors and figures vying for attention. Curator: Indeed! The vase is a complex interplay of classical and somewhat discordant elements. The buffalo heads serve as handles—quite a statement. Editor: They definitely add a…rustic touch, clashing with the delicate floral patterns and the neoclassical reliefs below. Is that supposed to be Washington? Curator: Yes, it is! The inclusion of George Washington's portrait suggests an attempt to blend European craftsmanship with American symbolism. Editor: It's a real conversation starter, isn't it? I find myself drawn to its strangeness, that tension between refinement and something wilder. Curator: It truly embodies the complexities of cultural exchange and artistic ambition, a reflection of its time. Editor: Yes, and maybe a timeless reminder that beauty can be found even in the most unexpected combinations.